The drive from Hinakura to Hamilton was one of the most beautiful days ever!!  It had been cold and snowy/rainy for several days before but the day we drove home was clear and bright!  There was hardly a cloud in the sky all day.  What a day to see the mountains!  This picture is Mt. Ruapehu (Mordor for you LOTR fans).  I don't know how often you will see the mountain with a fresh dusting of snow and not a cloud in the sky, we couldn't believe it!  It was so incredibly beautiful!  Wow!